Alaska Airlines to sponsor Portland MLS team

PORTLAND, Ore. - When the Portland Timbers join Major league Soccer next season, their jerseys will be sponsored by Alaska Airlines.

The Timbers announced the new title sponsor for their MLS kits on Thursday at Portland International Airport. Terms of the multiyear deal were not revealed.

The Alaska Airlines logo will be displayed prominently on the jerseys, much like the Seattle Sounders have "XBOX 360" on their kits.

The airline will also partner with the Timbers' community fund on youth-based fitness and educational initiatives, as well as donate 25 tickets to each game to area kids. The company will also be the presenting sponsor for all MLS Timbers youth soccer camps.